This easy garlic broccoli stir fry is packed with vibrant green broccoli and hearty chickpeas. It’s a quick dish that brings together bold flavors without fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli offers the best flavor and texture. If it’s out of season, you can use frozen broccoli. Just remember to thaw it before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your stir fry.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient and save time. If you prefer, you can use cooked lentils or edamame as a protein substitute. Both will work well in this dish!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that delicious aroma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you might use garlic powder in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon for 1 clove), but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce brings umami. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great alternative. For a lower-sodium option, you can look for reduced-sodium soy sauce.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds sweetness and depth, but it’s not necessary. If you skip it, add an extra touch of maple syrup or honey to keep the flavor balanced.
How Can I Cook the Broccoli Perfectly Every Time?
Getting broccoli just right can be a bit tricky! To make it tender yet crisp, you’ll want to stir-fry it quickly. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat to get your oil nice and hot.
- Add your broccoli florets and stir frequently for around 3-4 minutes.
- Watch closely! When the bright green color enhances and they start to soften, it’s time to add the chickpeas.
Keep the broccoli moving to prevent any burning and to achieve that perfect crunchy texture that’s best with the tender chickpeas!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking. In total, you can have a wholesome meal ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be nice and hot to get a good sear on the broccoli.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Add the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir fry them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them to soften slightly but still stay crisp and bright green.
4. Introduce the Chickpeas:
After the broccoli begins to soften, add the drained chickpeas and cook for another 2 minutes, mixing it all together to combine the flavors.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), maple syrup or honey, chili flakes (if using), and the water or vegetable broth until well combined.
6. Add the Sauce:
Pour this sauce mixture over the broccoli and chickpeas. Stir everything well to ensure the broccoli and chickpeas are coated evenly in that yummy sauce.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Bring the entire pan to a gentle simmer. Then, add the cornstarch slurry and stir for about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should thicken up nicely.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Remove from heat and give it a taste. Feel free to add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if you want a stronger flavor!
9. Serve It Up:
Serve your garlic broccoli and chickpeas while it’s hot over bowls of cooked rice or quinoa. It’s a filling and nutritious dish!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top and add chopped chives or green onions if you like for an extra pop of flavor. Dig in and enjoy your healthy meal!
This dish is not only tasty and filling but also packed with nutrients—what a win for your next weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli?
You can use either! Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw it fully before using to avoid excess moisture in your stir fry.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’re looking for a substitute for chickpeas, you can use cooked lentils or edamame. Both options will provide a good source of protein and work well in this stir fry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance! Cook the broccoli and chickpeas, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove before serving, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. This stir fry can be enjoyed cold in a salad too!
